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AWSP Blog

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  • A Message of Thanks

    Dr. Scott Seaman, Executive Director, AWSP
    Nov 23, 2022
    Focusing on gratitude and thankfulness is always a great strategy for self-care and great leadership. And it's even more appropriate this month, which also happens to be National Native American Heritage Month. From all of us here at AWSP, AWSL, Cispus, and Outdoor Schools Washington, we can't tell you how grateful and thankful we are for each and every one of you. You make the magic happen for students and adults in your school, and we're thankful for that.
  • UW Presidential Scholars Nomination/Opportunity

    Philip A. Ballinger, Ph.D., Special Adviser for the Presidential Scholars Initiative, Emeritus Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment, University of Washington,
    Nov 22, 2022
    Some of our young people in Washington amaze us by their commitment and work to serve others and their communities. Sometimes these students do not show up on high school 'radars' that traditionally focus on highest competitive academics, athletic achievement, or relative social popularity. And yet, some of our most promising young people are quietly doing astonishing things to help others and their communities. We want to identify and recognize these vital future community builders and leaders in Washington!
  • Special Education and 504 Tips & Resources | Nov. 18, 2022

    Dr. James Whitehead | Director of Special Programs & Services, Integrated Student Support | Capital Region ESD 113
    Nov 18, 2022
    These resources are sent out weekly to leaders in special education and Section 504. Each post contains tips and resources on a variety of topics that are meant to keep you informed and up-to-date.
  • PART II: Can We Rethink "Improving Instruction"?

    Dr. Scott Seaman, Executive Director, AWSP
    Nov 14, 2022
    Did I get your attention with my last blog, “Let’s Rethink Improving Instruction?” I hope so. It has conjured up a wide array of emotions, but most importantly, it stirred long-overdue discussions about a system that needs to be addressed. What system? The working conditions of our principals and assistant principals. For starters, let me be clear. I believe in the power of improving instruction. I believe our system improved 12 years ago with the statewide implementation of TPEP. I believe teachers and principals have journeyed through powerful conversations to improve student outcomes. I believe that leaders across the state have worked diligently to create systems to support improving instruction and cycles of feedback.
  • SEBB Open Enrollment for School Employees

    Roz Thompson, Government Relations & Advocacy Director, AWSP
    Nov 14, 2022
    It’s open enrollment time for school employees through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Open enrollment takes place from October 31 through November 21, 2022. Enrollments, changes, and premiums are effective January 1, 2023. This is your chance to change your medical, dental, or vision plans. All of the information you need can be found on the Health Care Authority website.
  • The Dream of Buying Lunch in the Cafeteria

    Srinivas Khedam, Ed.D, Assistant Director Racial and Educational Justice Department, Northshore School District
    Nov 14, 2022
    Belongingness is a big deal for every individual. When people feel like they belong to a place or group, they express, share, contribute, and give their best.  Students are not exempt from this.  Students can give their best when they feel they belong to their school, classroom, playground, sports team, band, cheerleaders club, music, or other clubs or groups. That means the first and most important step that we must take is to create an environment of belongingness for ALL students in all spaces of our schools.
  • What Does a "Sense of Belonging” Really Mean?

    Kelly Sheward, Principal, Sunnyside Elementary, Marysville SD
    Nov 07, 2022
    In my third year as the principal at Sunnyside Elementary in the Marysville School District, my goals for my students are to have a voice and to feel a sense of belonging and connection to their school. With those goals in mind, I initiated a student council, that would be voted by and would represent our student body, which consists of 480 Kindergarten -5th-grade students.
  • Special Education and 504 Tips & Resources | Nov. 4, 2022

    Dr. James Whitehead | Director of Special Programs & Services, Integrated Student Support | Capital Region ESD 113
    Nov 07, 2022
    These resources are sent out weekly to leaders in special education and Section 504. Each post contains tips and resources on a variety of topics that are meant to keep you informed and up-to-date.
  • Honoring Native American Heritage Month

    Chase Buffington, Director, Cispus Learning Center
    Nov 03, 2022
    November is National Native American Heritage Month. From all of us at AWSP, Cispus, AWSL, and Outdoor Schools Washington, we thank you for sharing your stories and allowing us to embrace your culture. We, as an organization, have been honored to serve and learn from our tribal partners throughout Washington state. With principals in every school, we work to engage in every community of tribes across Washington. Honoring their culture and history, we have more work to do and welcome shared opportunities.
  • OSPI School Safety Tips for November 2022

    Mike Donlin, Program Supervisor, School Safety Center, OSPI
    Nov 01, 2022
    It’s November. It’s dark and rainy. Elections are coming up. Daylight Savings Time is ending. Veterans’ Day is approaching. Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Let’s go there now.

Like to Write?

We're always looking for guest contributions. If you have a passion to write and things to share, email David about a guest post or a role as a recurring guest blogger. 


For More Information 

David Morrill | Communications & Technology Director | (800) 562-6100

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